Bigeye thresher shark Alopias superciliosus movements and post-release survivorship following capture on linked buoy gear

Off the US west coast, fishery development efforts have led to recent recommendation for authorization of deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) and linked (LBG), two commercial types targeting swordfish at depth during day. Because new configurations interact with bigeye thresher sharks (Alopias superciliosus), a large pelagic species that is not typically retained sale, this work has focused on documenting fate released catch. Bigeye (BETS) were captured outfitted pop-up satellite archival tags (Wildlife Computers sPATs miniPATs) assess movement trends acute (30-d) post-release survival exempted fishing trials authorized by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Management Council (PFMC). Post-release survivorship was based 14 BETS (?157?230 cm LF) caught LBG between August 2016 December 2019 following fight times ranging from 17?300 min. Thirteen survived effects capture, one immediate mortality documented heavy entanglement in monofilament leader. resilient handling stress capture LBG, an observed rate 93 %. Surviving exhibited consistent diurnal dive patterns remaining well below thermocline daytime (mean = 386 ± 62 m) within mixed layer night 65 25 m). With exception tag reported close proximity SCB tagging location, extensive southward movements 1235 235 km) towards potentially relevant migratory corridor sharks.